The Evolution of Atlas: A Breeding (and Chat) Thread

[speckledhen]

By the way, there are two pullets in Hector's six chicks. One always hangs with the Brahmas. I think she's having an identity crisis, or maybe she likes their nifty footwear.

 

[speckledhen]

Hector makes a cameo in the intro.

 

[1muttsfan]

You've got to do what you need to do. Quite honestly I could live without having the horses here, as much as I've enjoyed them. I can imagine, though, how much easier your chores would be if you did not support so many non-producing birds.

 

[speckledhen]

Someone thought I was funny calling Hector "your goober-headed-ness", LOL. He is such a hot mess, that boy.

 

[speckledhen]

You've got to do what you need to do. Quite honestly I could live without having the horses here, as much as I've enjoyed them. I can imagine, though, how much easier your chores would be if you did not support so many non-producing birds.

Speaking of non-producers, after over a year, Gloria Jean laid an egg today. Insane that they'll do that out of the blue. It's really the roosters who are the issue, having to be separated. It's the chores, not really whether or not they're producing eggs. I mean dogs don't produce anything you can use, but folks have a lot of them sometimes and they cost a lot to keep properly and take a lot of time unless you're one of "those" types who chains them up outside and forgets them. The real issue is that I never intended to do it all alone, not on this scale. If Tom gets worse, it may be only me. We'll live in a run down house with grass growing over the deck.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Great video. I understand exactly what you are going through. I have a 10 year plan where most of my harder to take care of critters will be gone. I have already started to downsize my gardens. I am doing more gardening in containers or my raised garden boxes. I don't like having to rely on my husband in order to keep my hobbies going. I need to slow down too.

Wish I could help you make some decisions about your boys, and how to proceed. I'm so sorry Tom is doing so poorly. I think I would invest in your current house for now, sounds like you aren't ready to give it up yet. There may come a time in the future when you are either ready to, or you have no choice, but it sounds like you aren't at that point yet.

Chicks are looking great outside. I personally wouldn't like a rooster coming at me like yours is either. He would have to go, or I'd be carrying a stick for sure just in case.

Within the last year two of my bigger goats have reared up and challenged me when I've gone in to feed them. It scared me. I no longer go in with the goats without my walking stick, and I prefer not to go in all anymore. These will be my last goats. My turkeys will be my last as well. I'm getting tired too. Still messing with chickens, duck and rabbits for a few more years, but eventually they will have to stop too. Stinks getting older.

My baby bunnies are 4 weeks old now, and they are an adorable hoard.

 

[speckledhen]

@oldhenlikesdogs , Lisa, you read me like a book. We are so on the same page. Thanks so much for all your kinds words, suggestions and just commiserating with me. Same for all my Atlas thread friends.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

@oldhenlikesdogs , Lisa, you read me like a book. We are so on the same page. Thanks so much for all your kinds words, suggestions and just commiserating with me. Same for all my Atlas thread friends.

I'm sitting here thinking if I had to choose only one rooster to keep I don't think I could either. I understand why you are finding even that concept hard. Roosters can be a huge pain, but they also can have great personalities. You have some pretty boys. A couple of nice ones with one naughty boy.

I too swore no more chickens this year, I have to downsize. It didn't work out for me either.

 

[speckledhen]

I'm sitting here thinking if I had to choose only one rooster to keep I don't think I could either. I understand why you are finding even that concept hard. Roosters can be a huge pain, but they also can have great personalities. You have some pretty boys. A couple of nice ones with one naughty boy.

I too swore no more chickens this year, I have to downsize. It didn't work out for me either.

You have tons more chickens than I do. I used to have 55, all large fowl, but that was way too many. As far as roosters, Hector is very smart and he will come running with his girls and usually go in when I tell him it's time. He waits for the last one to come before he'll settle unless I just say "Hector, I"ll go get here". He really seems to understand that and finally will go into his pen. He's just too darn energetic and full of himself compared to Atlas and Bash. I am fond of him, though at times it sounds like I'm not. If I had to choose at this point, though I love the Barred Rocks and always will, I might have to pick the one that gives me the least trouble...and you know who that is.

 

[Leahs Mom]

Sigh.